Mobile payments specialist Boku has secured USD 35 million in funding from New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Telefonica Digital and previous investors. Additional participants in the round include Andreessen Horowitz, Benchmark Capital, DAG Ventures, Index Ventures and Khosla Ventures. The funding will be used to expand the team, broaden infrastructure and continue Boku's global expansion that started in 2009. This is the third investment made by Telefonica Digital since its creation in September 2011. Telefonica Digital also announced a strategic agreement with Boku to enhance its payments capabilities and support the launch of its mobile wallet services. The partnership opens up access for Boku to Telefonica's global footprint of 25 markets and 300 million customers, while providing Telefonica with access to Boku's expertise in online mobile payments. Under the terms of the agreement, Boku will become Telefonica's preferred mobile payments partner and Telefonica will extend its relationship with Boku across its operating businesses. The partnership will provide Telefonica with access to Boku's merchant network, expanding the number of places customers will be able to use their Telefonica mobile wallet for purchases. It will also enable an enhanced user experience for online and offline payments, while improving Telefonica's own direct to bill capabilities. Telefonica is committed to bringing mobile wallet and other innovative payments services to its customers across its operating businesses and through Wanda, its joint venture in Latin America with MasterCard.
